The 2007 Japan Times Readers' Fund has distributed ¥940,595 to six organizations to finance humanitarian projects for needy people in Asia. We wish to thank the many readers and groups for their generous support of our annual yearend fundraising campaign over the past 25 years.

Kyoto-based Nippon International Cooperation for Community Development, which is promoting literacy and basic computer skills for impoverished women in the Jibril region of Afghanistan's Herat Province, was given ¥178,119. The Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC), AMATAK (House of Cambodia), PAG-ASA Group Japan and the Friendly Asians Home also received ¥178,119 each, and the Japan Association for Refugees was given ¥50.000.

JVC will help villagers in Khammouan Province in central Laos establish legal ownership over commonly shared forests to prevent unauthorized logging by commercial entities. The group will also nurture forestry volunteers who will help settle problems related to woods and land.

AMATAK, led by the Rev. Fumio Goto of Kichijoji Catholic Church in Tokyo, will buy lumber and other materials to build an elementary school in Poytasek village in Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia. It will be the 15th school built by the group in the country.

PAG-ASA Group Japan will combine the money from the fund with ¥100,000 from another group to help about 35 impoverished elementary school students in Muntinlupe near Manila purchase uniforms, bags, shoes, stationery and other items to enable them to continue their education.

The Friendly Asians Home will help Asians, especially people from Myanmar, who have become seriously ill in Japan, receive medical treatment and go back home if necessary.

The Japan Association for Refugees will extend emergency relief to refugees from other parts of Asia staying in Japan.

We again thank our readers for their kind support.